Qatar is one of the Persian Gulf monarchies. It became independent on 3 September
1971. Beforehand, it was a British protectorate, like other small states
in the region, of whom most (except for Qatar, Bahrein and Oman) joined in
a Federation: the United Arab Emirates, consisting of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,
Ras-al-Khaimah, Fujeira, Ajman, Umm al-Qiwayn.

A provisional constitution was enacted on 19 April 1972, providing for an
elected assembly. However, there is only a Majlis as-Shura (Consultative
Assembly), composed of 35 appointed members with only consultative tasks.
No parties are allowed in Qatar. According to the CIA Factbook, no elections
have been held since 1970, when there were partial elections to the body;
Council members have had their terms extended every four years since.

Regional upheavals have shown little sign as yet of prompting a liberalisation
of Qatar's autocratic political system. However, the presentation of a petition
in January 1992 to the Amir, signed by 50 prominent Qataris and demanding
the establishment of a consultative assembly (a majlis as-shura, similar
to that existing in other Gulf states) shows that there is pressure for
reform.(source: Columbus
Travel Guides)

On 27 June 1995, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani took power, evicting his
father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani from the throne through a bloodless coup.
An organised attempt by prominent supporters of the deposed Amir was thwarted
in February 1996.

In 1998, the first steps towards the organization of municipal elections
were taken. These elections should take place in march 1999. Only Qatari
nationals (male and female), who represent about 20% of the population, will
have voting rights for these elections.